I previously used Nova and finally moved to the open source side with Kvaesitso. I didn’t like using a search focused launcher at first, but I decided to try and use it for a few months to get used to it. What I’ve found is that:

  • I barely ever scroll down into the widgets menu and so I don’t make use to widgets as much as I’d like to
  • Even after carefully setting up the search settings, I find it unintuitive and prefer to use specific apps for specific tasks
  • I like having apps sorted by tags, but the tiny moving pill shape icons aren’t as nice as if I had folders on my desktop

The biggest problem now is that Kvaesitso is draining my battery for some reason. Battery usage says that it used 27% of my battery today.

I think I gave it a fair shot, and I’d like to try something new.

  • SecretSauces@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    I’m still using Nova as it’s so feature-rich. I’ve had 0 problems with it, but I had no idea people were dropping it. Also had no idea it for bought out either, so maybe it’s time to look into using another launcher instead…

    • Lemminary@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      3 months ago

      I’m also on Nova for now, but I disabled the updates. You can never be too sure once a project changes hands like that.

      • mirisgaiss@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        3 months ago

        I really like nova, I just want customized icons with no text, which for some reason nothing else will do. search based is pointless to me, I barely have one screen of apps… nova is fine for this but I did block it from all network connections after the sale happened

  • 2501@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    I would suggest Octopi Launcher. Started using during the alpha and switched back and forth between it and Nova. But now I am fully on Octopi. I really like the widget stacking, now I just have one page homescreen. The dev recently implemented drawer categories and tags. The dev is active and listens to feedback on the subreddit.

    • cRazi_man@europe.pubEnglish
      0·
      3 months ago

      I don’t use KISS as a launcher, but I have it bound to double tapping the home button. You can add any search options you want (maps app, play store, internet search, phone search). This is an excellent customisable alternative to the built in google search app and I would highly recommend it for that.

  • limerod@reddthat.comMEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    Have you considered reporting the battery drain issue to the Kvaesitso devs? They could fix it if it can be reproduced.

  • yahiroz@piefed.socialEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    Niagara, but I’ve also been trying out Octopi every now and then, it’s still in beta and there are certain features missing but it feels like it has potential to fully replace Nova.

  • kratoz29@lemmy.zipEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    I use whatever the stock launcher of the ROM is…

    I am a full screen gestures user and for me the 3rd party launchers are broken since A12, or probably before that, even with usage of the GestureNavContract API they are still not smooth enough for me…

    With that said, if you are rooted you can get away from that limitation with Lawnchair and quickSwitch, or if you use navigation buttons you are gold with almost all the launchers I’d say.

  • burgersc12@mander.xyzEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    Kvaesitso has drained less than 3% of my battery every day for the last week. > 20% sounds like an unusual amount of drain

  • SSUPII@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    I so much wish there was a replacement for the now abandoned ADW Launcher (both 1 and 2). I am currently stuck on Nova now.

  • WeAreAllOne@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    I used Lawncher for like a year and now I’m giving μlauncher a go. The latter is more stress free and one has to fight initially with muscle memory until they’re get it right. I think I’m gonna keep using μlauncher for a while.

    • timbuck2themoon@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      3 months ago

      Stumbled across this the other day. Very interesting and a ton of gestures. Debating using it more. It is very lightweight and no frills appearance wise.

    • amorpheus@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      3 months ago

      I’ve tried it but it doesn’t click for me. I can be more efficient with a normal launcher.

      Niagara Launcher did teach me how to improve my setup: if something isn’t important enough to be on the one and only home screen, it goes in the drawer. No more arranging folders for apps I rarely use.

    • chrisbit@leminal.spaceEnglish
      0·
      3 months ago

      Also been using it for years. Love the unique interface. Wish they’d do more substantial updates than those seasonal icon packs though, especially given the amount of income they must have from subscriptions.

      • themoonisacheese@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        0·
        3 months ago

        I bought a lifetime license because I definitely do not need another subscription in my life but tbh the free version is completely fine

    • Mx. Nichole@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      0·
      3 months ago

      …FINE… guess I’m going to try Niagara again because this looks so clean. … But i’m not happy about it. (they type from a samsung, JKJK this looks dope and yeah ima give it another go)

    • fixmycode@feddit.clEnglish
      0·
      3 months ago

      Niagara user here, I think it’s worth every penny, and it’s so cheap, and the developer is very receptive. It’s a very simple purchase.